Nature's Herbs For Better Living

Herbal remedies are as old as human civilization. Purdue University professor Jules Jannick traces their use as far back as 3,000 years, when herbal prescriptions were carved into stone tablets by the Sumerians. Interest in herbs remains strong to this day, but when the pharmacy industry moved out of the garden and into the chemistry lab, herbal preparations became less respected among scientific circles and in the eyes of the general public.
While the claims of some herbal preparations remain dubious, the occurrence of anecdotal evidence supporting the use of others has spurred researchers to take another look into the possible uses of herbs as a valid remedy to certain ailments.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle, known by the botanical name Silybum marianum, is a member of the daisy family. It has broad green thorny leaves, striped with milky white veins. Its five-foot high stems are topped with large purple flowers. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, milk thistle contains an active ingredient called silymarin, which has been proven by scientific studies to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. It is especially helpful in protecting the liver and may help grow new cells to aid in liver repair.
Milk thistle is often used in the treatment of liver damage due to cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis due to alcoholism. Milk thistle is available in natural foods stores as an herbal supplement or a tea.

Ginger

Ginger is most commonly associated with its culinary uses in products such as ginger ale or gingerbread cookies, but the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that ginger, made from the knobby, golden root of the plant known as Zingiber officinale, has a history of medicinal use that spans more than two millennia. Doctors commonly recommend ginger as a treatment for nausea and vomiting. Its lack of side effects makes it an attractive alternative to chemical nausea medications for pregnant women who are experiencing morning sickness.

Feverfew

Feverfew, or Tanacetum parthenium, is a common garden flower that grows to about 2-feet-high, and has fringed green leaves and small daisy-like flowers. Research has shown it to be an effective treatment for reducing the frequency of migraine headaches, according to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It also demonstrates antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and is being studied for it's possible use by cancer patients.
Feverfew can be taken in capsules or tablets. The fresh leaves of the plant, if chewed, can cause mouth sores. Those who are on anti-coagulant medications should not take feverfew, as it may interfere with blood platelet function.